DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES

REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

MEDIA BRIEFING STATEMENT BY THE NATIONAL COMMISSIONER, MR

MAKGOTHI THOBAKGALE

DIPHTHERIA DISEASE AT POLLSMOOR CORRECTIONAL FACILITY

13 NOVEMBER 2023

Regional Commissioner of the Western Cape, Delekile Klaas;

Members of the Media;
Ladies and Gentlemen;

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) is taking proactive measures to

prevent and control the spread of Diphtheria within Correctional Services.
Recently, we pronounced on eight (8) laboratory confirmed cases of Diphtheria
and one death of an inmate at Pollsmoor Correctional Centre, Medium A.

We would like to assure the public and stakeholders that we are taking proactive
measures to address and contain any possible spread of the disease.

The epidemiological investigation on the index case is ongoing. The 19-year old
deceased inmate was admitted as a remand detainee at Medium A (B section)
in December 2022. He appeared in court on 17 October 2023 and was
transported back to the facility.

When the inmate showed signs of not feeling well, the Correctional Services
Health Care officials treated him and a decision was taken that he be transferred
to an outside hospital.

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At the time, the inmate showed malaise and respiratory symptoms hence the
transfer to Victoria Hospital on 28 October 2023. He received further treatment
and was tested for Diphtheria and the results came back positive on 02
November 2023. Unfortunately, the inmate’s condition deteriorated and he sadly
passed away on 5 November 2023 at Groote Schuur Hospital.

When the Diphtheria diagnosis was confirmed on 02 November 2023, the

Department of Correctional Services immediately started with the Contact
Tracing exercise in an effort to identify individuals who may have been exposed
to the infected individual.

The Department of Health in the Province of the Western Cape was also
informed. And it is important to acknowledge the urgency at which they
responded and sprang into action.

A total number of 54 Remand Detainees from B Section at Medium A were

identified to be contacts with the index case. They were immediately isolated
and the baseline assessment was conducted.

From the 54 inmates, as already stated, a total of 8 tested positive and 46 tested
negative. We have 15 Correctional Services officials that were identified as
contacts, with only three presenting symptoms. They were tested and released
to isolate at home. The provisional results have since came back negative,
awaiting confirmatory results.

As a Department, it was important that we act with necessary urgency. The

health and well-being of our incarcerated inmates, staff members, and the
surrounding community are of utmost importance to us, and we are obligated to
ensure a safe and healthy environment.

We are dealing with Diphtheria, which is a serious bacterial infection that can be
transmitted through respiratory droplets or direct contact with an infected person.

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Recognizing the potential risks associated with communal living, we have
implemented a comprehensive set of measures to mitigate the spread of the
disease within the correctional setting. We are doing this because we also know
that Diphtheria outbreak in a correctional environment requires a coordinated
and comprehensive response in order to contain the spread and provide
appropriate medical care to the affected individuals.

Key measures that we have conducted as Correctional Services here at

Pollsmoor include:

Vaccination Campaign: We have initiated a vaccination campaign to ensure

that all eligible individuals receive the diphtheria vaccine.

Vaccination is a proven and effective method to prevent the onset and

transmission of the disease. A total of 342 inmates have been vaccinated. In
terms of officials, we are standing at 36.

Hygiene Practices: Inmates and staff members are once more being educated
and encouraged to practice enhanced hygiene, including regular handwashing
with soap and water, covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and
the use of hand sanitizers.

Facilities are being deep cleaned in an effort to minimize the risk of disease
transmission. This involves pest control.

Isolation: We are effectively on day 16 of isolation to those defined as direct

contacts. This is done in order to prevent further transmission. Appropriate
medical care is also provided to those classified as high risk and those with mild
symptoms.

Regular Health Screenings: Inmates and staff members are now subjected to
regular health screenings to detect any potential cases early. An action of this

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nature shall enable us to prevent the spread of the disease and be ready to deal
with new infections should they emerge.

Medical Attention: Our health care professionals are readily available and they
are treating affected inmates. Appropriate medical treatment is also being
offered. The Department of Health is also working closely with us in this regard
thus ensuring a comprehensive response plan.

We did not struggle to access vaccination resources and other expertise and we
applaud the department of health.

We are leaving nothing to chance, health education efforts to inform inmates,

DCS officials and service providers about the symptoms of Diphtheria, the
importance of vaccination, and preventive measures are being amplified.

Our health care team is vigilant in monitoring the situation and the infection
prevention measures are for every individual in correctional facility to follow
through.

The situation is calm and under control. No new cases have been reported in
the past five days. Hence, we do believe that the measures that we have put in
place shall be effective in ensuring the well-being of everyone in our care.

Allow me to reiterate that Diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable disease, and

through these comprehensive measures, we aim to minimize the risk of
transmission at Pollsmoor Correctional facility.

Ends.

Enquiries, Singabakho Nxumalo on 0795235794

Issued by: Department of Correctional Services

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